WINTER BEGINS TO-DAY, AVERS THE ALMANAC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17878, 21 June 1926, Page 8

WINTER BEGINS TO-DAY, AVERS THE ALMANAC.

CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO SKATE ON BATH WATER BY JULY 20 To-day is the shortest day. That is to say, it dawned a little later than usual, and will get dark a little earlier, than did yesterday or will to-mor-row. From the almanac, it is ascertained, furthermore, that to-day has the distinction of being the beginning, not the middle of winter* All is not icicles, though. After all, spring commences on September 23, and summer on December 22. And today. although the beginning, of winter, was sunny and bright after the frost and mist cleared away. The frost last night was only 13 degrees. There were three more severe frosts than that in the previous week. From observations made over a number of years, it appears that on the average the coldest period in New Zealand is from July 20 to 24, which is the natural mid-winter. From observations made over a considerable number of recent mornings, it appears quite distinctly that if winter really sets in, getting up will become a lost art. However, the information given by the almanac gives everybody something to look forward to. Presumably, as winter has only just started, the nice cool mornings and evenings of the past two months have been just a foretaste of what is to come. Hardy citizens will be able to skate on their bath water by July 20.